Antarctica, South Georgia & South Atlantic Islands

Program Starts/Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina / Cape Town, South Africa
Embarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembarkation: Cape Town, South Africa
Cruise duration is 21 days/20 nights.

Live your transatlantic dream on this exceptional 22-day voyage aboard our luxury ice-class expedition ship. Your journey across the Atlantic Ocean starts with the notorious two-day Drake Passage sea crossing. We’ll start this epic journey by getting a taste of the icy majestic wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula. Following our exploration of Antarctica, we’ll continue towards the rarely visited South Orkney islands where we hope to spot different species of wildlife. From here we’ll follow our journey toward the “Serengeti of the Atlantic”, South Georgia, where we for sure will see thousands of King Penguins. We’ll spend the next days at sea enjoying some fascinating lectures whilst sailing to the remote Gough and Tristan da Cunha Islands on our way to Cape Town. This definitely is a Transatlantic voyage like no other!

Trip Highlights

• Learn about the fascinating fauna and unlikely flora on the South Shetland Islands
• Observe Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags, skuas and elephant seals on Petermann Island
• Discover the island where Shackleton’s ill-fated crew sought refuge
• Step ashore the rarely visited South Orkney islands and observe nesting penguins
• Visit Gough Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina (hotel night)

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its rich architecture and European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-night hotel included).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon.

Day 3-4: Drake Passage

As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring the ship’s facilities and learning about your destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the options are numerous.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands

While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter (April to October), these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring (November) and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.

Day 6-8: Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Day 9: South Orkney Islands

Located east of the South Shetland Islands, the South Orkney Islands are rarely visited. Often shrouded in mist, the archipelago’s four islands are surrounded by icebergs and sea ice that often presents a challenge when landing. Unfortunately, the former sealing and whaling industries decimated the islands’ populations of sea mammals, however, seal populations have started to make a return. Those lucky enough to make a shore landing can also observe nesting Adélie penguins, gentoo penguins and downy snow petrels.

Day 10: At sea

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Day 11-12: South Georgia

Often called the “Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia has a number of landing sites where you get up close to half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world. If you are lucky you will also see harrumphing elephant seals – from a distance! We also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.

Day 13-15: At sea

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy.

Day 16: Gough Island

Located 1700 Nautical miles from Cape Town, Gough Island is difficult to locate on a map. With just a permanent group of Scientists, Gough is definitely one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet, home also to some of the world’s rarest birds: the Gough Moorhen and the Gough Bunting. We hope to spot some migrating whales and other fascinating wildlife in the vicinity of the Atlantic Gem.

Day 17: Tristan Da Cunha

With barely 250 permanent inhabitants, Tristan da Cunha is far from the beaten path. The island teems with wildlife such as Northern rockhopper penguins, the endangered Tristan Albatross and sea lions while the surrounding upwellings attract vast numbers of Whales and Dolphins.

Day 18-21: At sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 22: Cape Town

Ending our epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular city sceneries in Africa. Dominated by Table Mountain, Cape town is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards, wonderful harbour fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the delicious seafood.

Please note: Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.